Winchester City Council on Wednesday continued an appeal by Friends of Old Town of a Board of Architectural Review denial for a proposed children's literacy mural at 54 and 102 South Loudoun Street, saying staff should work with stakeholders to develop clearer guidelines before the council acts.

The mural proposal, presented by Brady Clovin of Friends of Old Town, would cover the side-by-side facades near the walking mall splash pad and was described by the applicant as a community-driven effort to promote childhood literacy and foot traffic on the south end of the mall. “This mural is more than paint on painted brick,” Clovin said, describing the project as “community storytelling” that was developed through an open artist call and months of public engagement.

Supporters — including funders and arts organizations — said the design and location would attract families and businesses. Elena Foster, program director for the Winchester Campaign for Grade Level Reading, told council: “The mural would be 1 of the first things visitors who enter the mall at that end see, immediately sending the message that Winchester nurtures an active and vibrant arts community and values childhood literacy.” Andy Gale, a funder, said the project would require no city dollars and was intended to complement the splash pad and other placemaking investments.

Opponents, including Preservation of Historic Winchester (PHW) and other residents, urged caution around placing murals on primary facades in the local historic district. Tim Newman of PHW told council that the city’s adopted local design guidelines encourage murals but require careful review for compatibility with the district’s character, adding that the guidelines exist to protect rhythm, openings and architectural features on primary facades.

City staff said the BAR denied the application on Oct. 2 after finding the proposal covered two individually platted buildings and could conceal architectural features; staff also reported limited language in the city’s guidelines regarding murals. Staff presented examples of other Virginia localities and noted that few CLG‑approved historic districts expressly permit front‑facing murals on primary historic façades.

Council members expressed a mix of sympathy for both sides: several said they supported public art and the mural’s stated literacy goals but also wanted clearer, consistent guidance for the Board of Architectural Review and applicants so decisions would be predictable. Councilor Bell and Councilor Newcomb called for drafting locally tailored mural guidelines; Councilor Fox and others suggested tabling until staff returns with proposed language. Councilor Newcomb registered opposition during the final procedural vote to continue, but the motion to continue passed with one opposition.

Brady Clovin told council Friends of Old Town developed the project through a public-arts subcommittee, solicited 46 artist proposals and consulted building owners; he said the design avoids historic trim and that paint is reversible. Preservation advocates countered that placing murals on primary façades is a precedent that could change the character of the historic district.

What happens next: Council directed staff to work with BAR and community stakeholders on revised mural guidelines and return the appeal to the council with a recommendation. The item was continued; no final decision on the certificate of appropriateness was made.

Votes and procedural action: Mayor Beach moved to continue the appeal; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call with one recorded opposition (Councilor Newcomb).